2012 AILA National Landscape Architecture Awards of Excellence: Design
Entrance art work by Jon Tarry’s, based on an insect chrysalys.
John Tarry’s distictive entry developed in consultation with Plan (E) structure provides a unique wayfinding marker within Kings Park Botanic Gardens.
Design elements are a stylized and deliberate intrusion into the natural landscape.
Viewing towers / tree hides are inspired by the shape of seeds, adding dynamic form and structure.
The creative use of water adds a significant tactile element to the site.
Pools offer children the opportunity to interact with nature in diverse environments.
Paperbark creek provides children a dynamic landscape, while adhering to water sustainability principles.
The tunnel uses natural materials that reflect the kings park natural material palette while providing a bold built form element.
Highly innovative and stylised built elements, including warrens, set within the landscape complement the natural character.
The site provides multiple opportunities for exploration through naturalistic water based elements.
Natural materials include iron boulders from rio tinto’s tom price mine to frame walkways and entrances.
Walkways provide universal access while also conserving fragile plant communities.
Prickly thickets frame unique spaces for education, interpretation and free play.
Site responsive design conserves the natural attributes of the site.
Endemic vegetation within the water bodies will mature, providing naturescape with strong foundations for longevity.
Highly stylised tree hides immerse visitors in the landscape.
Timber and steel together create bold intrusion in the landscape, providing dynamic, visual and functional elements.
The geometric form of the trench is a response to the flat topography, deliberately intruding into the landscape plain.
The trench provides an adventuous journey linking individual elements of the site.
Upside-down tree trunks express the form of trees while creating a naturalistic response to interactive structures.
The site is designed with minimal impact on existing natural habitats and to protect and encourage local wildlife throughout the site.
The unique design provides the community with a playful and adventurous connection to nature on the fringe of the CBD.
Rio Tinto Naturescape, Kings Park & Botanic Gardens by Plan (E)
Client: Botanic Gardens & Park Authority (WA)
Jury comment
An innovative response to a challenging brief, Rio Tinto Naturescape delivers not only a natural creek system as a playspace for children, but it does so in a manner that is respectful and sensitive to the existing environmental conditions and cultural systems.
The thoughtful, contemporary design elements, sculpters and hierarchy of paths also provide an educational experience and journey for adults and carers.
This responsive design sets an exemplar for the future provision of recreational and educational facilities in bushland settings located in urban environments.
